2 h. ago I know many are deeply opposed to Trump’s visit. But Keir Starmer doesn’t have that luxury | Martin Kettle

The choice for governments around the world is clear: engage, or fall beneath the US president’s wheel. For now, Britain must do the formerHas any visiting leader ever seen so little of Britain or the British as Donald Trump is doing this week? The absurdly unrepresentative version of the country offered up to the US president on his second state visit on Wednesday was a Windsor parody, a Potemkin version of this country, glistening with protocol and polish, amid a lavish reenactment of the British monarchy’s invented traditions. Just about the only thing that was authentic was the rain.But here’s the unalterable and underlying thing. None of that really matters. What matters is that Trump is the most powerful leader in the world. Despite all the Trumpian shocks, the US and Britain remain allies. Business can and should be done between them. So the opportunity for face-time with Trump, in circumstances designed to soften him up with flattery and engage him over this country’s own pr...

Politics

2 h. ago Nearly half of British people say Trump’s second state visit is wrong – poll

Some 45% of Britons said it was wrong, the latest polling by YouGov shows, as Donald Trump visits Windsor Castle for a banquet with the royal family.

Politics

8 h. ago Will Keir Starmer get ANYTHING out of Donald Trump's visit? Steel industry misery as deal to slash US tariffs is abandoned despite PM's boasts

Little more than four months on from the Prime Minister boasting of his 'fantastic' deal with Donald Trump, it was revealed that punitive levies on British steel will remain.

Economics

9 h. ago Donald Trump LIVE: US President to meet King Charles, royals at Windsor in UK state visit

Donald Trump will meet with King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer during a second state visit for the US president.

Politics

11 h. ago Keir Starmer is betting everything on an America that doesn’t exist any more | Rafael Behr

Cosying up to Trump is an all-in gamble. Britain should be building better relations with more reliable allies closer to homeInterpreters are not required for visiting US heads of state, but that doesn’t mean Donald Trump and Keir Starmer will speak the same language this week. The UK prime minister will practise the art of tactful diplomacy emphasising mutual advantage and historical alliance. Most of the words in that sentence mean nothing to a president who is fluent only in self-interest.Given the likelihood of miscommunication between two men from such different political cultures – the showbiz demagogue and the lawyer technocrat – relations have been remarkably friendly and, in Downing Street’s estimation, fruitful.Rafael Behr is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...

Politics

17 h. ago Keir Starmer makes embarrassing climbdown as he is forced to abandon hope of a UK 0% tariff on steel exports ahead of Trump visit

Whitehall sources said months of lobbying had failed to persuade the White House to implement an agreement to slash tariffs on British steel exports to zero, despite one being announced.

Politics

18 h. ago Labour faces questions over what concessions were made to secure a £30billion deal with US tech giants

As part of Donald Trump's State visit this week, Keir Starmer has struck an agreement that could bring billions of pounds into Britain. It will enable both countries to cooperate on areas such as AI.

Economics

26 h. ago Just when Keir Starmer thought he’d got Jeffrey Epstein off his plate – look who’s coming to dinner | Marina Hyde

After a tough week for Labour, Donald Trump is touching down for a state visit. Let’s hope the PM can stomach itQuick update on Keir Starmer’s government of “national renewal”: having just lost his deputy and housing secretary over her failure to pay the required stamp duty, the prime minister has also lost his US ambassador over his known close association with a known paedophile sex trafficker. Hang on – he’s now also lost his director of political strategy for relating some dirty jokes about Diane Abbott.Meanwhile, an increasing number of people think the solution to all this is Andy Burnham taking over, suggesting the current Greater Manchester mayor could run in a parliamentary seat that has only notionally become free because the previous Labour MP was suspended from the party after being found to have sent messages hoping a couple of constituents would soon be dead/“mown down”, and is now apparently “off sick”. On top of which, we’re having the Americans round. US president D...

Politics

27 h. ago Voices: As Keir Starmer fights for his political life, Donald Trump flies to his rescue

Though they make an unlikely pair, they share a unique bond and competitive streak – which may just work in the prime minister’s favour, says Sean O’Grady

Politics

28 h. ago Donald Trump set to arrive in UK as John Swinney warns Scotch whisky trade deal may not be reached

US officials have reportedly warned any trade deals announced this week by Keir Starmer and Donald Trump are unlikely to include a reduction in tariffs on Scotch.

Events

29 h. ago Voices: As Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life, Donald Trump flies to his rescue

Though they make an unlikely pair, they share a unique bond and competitive streak – which may just work in the prime minister’s favour, says Sean O’Grady

Politics

42 h. ago The lavish state banquet being staged for Donald Trump at Windsor

Some 160 people will gather in the grand St George’s Hall on Wednesday evening in honour of the controversial American leader.

Politics

59 h. ago Donald Trump’s UK state visit arrives at awkward moment after Mandelson exit

Sacking of Peter Mandelson over Epstein ties threatens to overshadow fanfare of US president’s two-day tripFor Donald Trump, the priority was to avoid any distractions. But as he arrives for his second state visit to the UK – an unprecedented honour for a US president – the crisis engulfing Keir Starmer’s government threatens to overshadow the proceedings.The circumstances of that crisis are especially awkward. Peter Mandelson was unceremoniously sacked as the UK’s ambassador to Washington on Thursday after emails were published in which he had urged his friend Jeffrey Epstein to fight for early release from prison in 2008. Continue reading...

Politics

66 h. ago Starmer faces challenging week amid Mandelson fallout and frustrated MPs

It comes as US President Donald Trump is set to arrive for a state visit.

Politics

3 d. ago King Charles fuming over Keir Starmer decision just days before Donald Trump visit

King Charles has reportedly been left frustrated by the Lord Mandelson controversy, which has created a "distraction" just days before President Donald Trump's UK visit

Politics

3 d. ago Windsor's ring of steel for Trump: Metal fences are secured ahead of US State visit this week

Pictures have emerged of metal fences being constructed at strategic locations in the historic royal town as the King prepares to host both Trump and his wife Melania.

Politics

3 d. ago MPs urge maximum pressure on US over tariffs ahead of Donald Trump’s state visit

The Commons Business and Trade Committee also urged the Government to seal a deal on aluminium and pharmaceuticals.

Politics

3 d. ago Donald Trump to swerve UK state visit protest with Keir Starmer Chequers reception

Former Tory MP Gavin Barwell, who worked in Downing Street during the previous state visit of the US president warned ministers should organise events away from protests

Politics

4 d. ago Oxford Union’s incoming president to face disciplinary proceedings, society says

George Abaraonye posted several comments online appearing to celebrate the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

Politics

5 d. ago Oxford Union condemns incoming president who celebrated Charlie Kirk's death with vile message

George Abaraonye reportedly said ‘Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go’ after the activist’s murder

Politics